MADRID, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- Atletico Madrid on Friday confirmed the arrival of Argentinean left back Emiliano Insua from Sporting Lisbon.

The 24-year-old, who has also played for Boca Juniors (Argentina), Galatasaray (Turkey) and Liverpool (England), has agreed a three and a half year deal with Atletico, who are currently second in the BBVA Primera Liga, eight points behind league leaders FC Barcelona.

The transfer fee Atletico have paid Sporting isa round 3.5 million Euros, slightly over $4 million US dollars.

A former Under 21 international and with four full caps for Argentina, Insua also possesses a Spanish passport, which is a great advantage as it means he will not occupy one of the three squad places allowed for Non-EU players in Spain.

Atletico's three non-EU players at the moment are strikers, Radamel Falcao and Diego Costa, who last night scored his side's goal in the Copa del Rey quarter final return leg, and defender Joao Miranda, all of whom are vital players for coach, Diego Pablo Simeone.

Insua could be included in the squad to travel to face Athletic Club Bilbao on Sunday and has a better chance of making his debut on Thursday in the first leg of Atletico's Cup semi-final against Sevilla.